Rotating electric switch



L. H. STITES ROTATING ELECTRIC SWITCH Nbv. 17, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 11, 1958 Loren H. Sfifes INVENTOR.

Nov. 17, 1959 L; H. ST-ITES- ROTATING ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed June 11, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Loren H. Sfires INVENTOR.

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(yaw 3% United States Patent ROTATING ELECIRIC'SWITCH Loren H. Stites, Flint, Mich. Application June 11, 1958, Serial No. 741,264

4 Claims. c1. zoo- 155 A 'This invention relates generallyto electric switches, and more particularly to an electric switch of the turning or rotating type, wherein a circuit is completed by the electrical bridging of terminals.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a rotatable electric switch, wherein the parts are of such tsimple and inexpensive construction, as to greatly reduce the cost usually encountered in the procuring of indus- Ltrial switches. a

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character described wherein there are relatively few parts, so that the device is extremely simple, and the problem of excessive wearing of ahy of the parts is obviated since little movement of the parts takes place.

A further object of this invention is to provide switches 'of the character described which are more reliable than ithose used previously in the art, so that failure at a (crucial movement is reduced to a minimum, this feature fleeing especially important in industrial uses.

An even further object of the invention is to provide a 'device of the character described wherein the terminals and electrical conducting members are insulated from each other in such a manner as to completely eliminate "the possibility of obtaining shocks therefrom, which is :always a basic consideration in the, designing of switches.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a :device of the character described wherein a: switch may 'be made within the spirit of the invention and having :two, three, four or any other number of terminals.

Yet a further object is to provide a' switch having an :adapter plate thereon, so that its use inindustrial processes and the like is more easilyaccomplished.

This invention contemplates the use of a plate in which a shaft is rotatably mounted. A body is mounted to the plate and also has the shaft rotatable therein. The body has terminals mounted on one surface thereof. The rotatable member is mounted to the shaft and rotatable therewith, and has segmental electric bridging washers mounted therein, which are used, upon proper rotation, to bridge the terminals in the body. These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequentlg apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer .to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cover plate and the type of knob which can be used in conjunction with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the device illustrated in Figure 1, illustrating the method mounting the switch to the plate;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the plane of reference line 3-3 of Figure 1 illustrating details of construction thereof;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially Patented Nov. 17, 1959 2 along the plane defined by reference line 4-4 of Figure 3 illustrating the details of construction thereof;

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the plane defined by reference line 5-5 of Figure 3; j

Figure 6 is a side elevational view, with parts being in section, illustrating a position of the switch different from that illustrated in Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5 illustrating the terminal arrangement when three terminals are used;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 4 illustrating the type of switching segment to be used in conjunction with the terminals illustrated in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is also a view similar to Figure 5- illustrating an arrangement of terminals when four of these terminals are used;

Figure 10 is also a view similar to Figure 4 illustrating the construction of the bridging segments to be used in conjunction with the device" illustrated in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the device illustrated in 'FiguIe'3;

Figure 12 illustrates another embodiment wherein the external construction is varied somewhat from the previously mentioned devices;

Figure 13 is a front elevational view of the adapter plate used to adapt the switches for use with industrial machinery; and

Figure 14 is an elevational plan view, with parts broken away to further illustrate internal details of the device illustrated in Figure 13.

With reference to the drawings, the two terminal type of switch will be described first, which pertains to Figures 1 through 6, inclusive, and Figure 11 of the drawings. Illustrated therein is the conventional type of cover plate 10 having beveled edges 12 along the peripheral edge thereof. countersunk openings 14 are formed in the plate 10, and an enlarged central opening 16 is formed therebetween. A mounting plate 18 is constructed of an elongated strap of metal, having an opening 20 formed centrally thereof andhorizontal bores 22 formed on either side thereof. These bores 22 are internally threaded and in alignment with openings 14 in the cover plate, so that bolts 24 may lock the mounting strap 18 and cover plate 10 securely yet detachably together. Other openings 26 are formed on either end of the mounting strap 18, for adding to the versatility of the mounting strap in fastening'to a standard electrical metal casing or whatever is used to support the switch in place. A- tube 28 is inserted into opening20, and locked therein by having the edges-of openings 20 slightly beveled, or one portion of them slightly beveled as at 30, so as to accommodate a correspondingly beveled edge of the tube 28 or weld whereby no movement of the tube 28 as viewed in Figure 3 may take place. A shaft 32 is rotatably mounted in tube 28 which is very important because it acts as a long stable bearing therefor. Shaft 32 has a lateral projection 34 onone end thereof. On the other end, a peripheral-groove or hole 36 is formed, it being noted that when the shaft is in place, the projection 34 will be on one side of mounting strap 18 while'the groove or hole 36 will be disposed on the other side thereof.

A housing 38 of cylindrical shape and formed of a 'dielectric material has a chamber 40 formed in one end thereof. A horizontal bore 42 is formed therethrough, and, as may be seen in Figures 3 and 5, the terminals 44 and 46 of generally semi-circular shape, are embedded in the housing which has a cut-out portion 48 on the opposite surface from chamber 40, so that the terminals may be embedded therein. However, extensions 50 of the body 38 extend upwardly and are disposed between the terminals 44 and 46 so as to insulate them from each other. It is to be noted that tube 28 is passed through opening 42 in the housing, so that the housing is carried-thereby. Notched out portions 52 which are diametrically opposed to each otherj arev formed in the housing end which contacts the strap 18, so that the strap may be disposed within the notches 52 and no relative movement therebetween may take place. The terminals 44 and 46 have wires 54 and 56 respectively afiixed thereto, with the ,wires having an insulated material 58 disposed therewith. The Wires 56 and 54 may be connected into any electrical circuit in which itis desired that the switch be used. A rubber cylindrical washer 60 or metal spring having a horizontal bore 62 centrally therethrough is inserted into chamber 40 and disposed on tube 28. A tubular dielectric member 64 having a. bore 66 formed horizontally therethrough is disposed about tube 28 located between terminals 44 and 46 and disposed in a notched out portion 48 of body 38. A rotatable section 68 which is of generally cylindrical configuration has a chamber 70 formed in one end thereof, and a horizontal bore 72 formed therethrough, which opens up into a lateral groove 74. The cylindrical member 64 has its other end inserted into the chamber 70, and lateral portion 34 is disposed in notched out portion 74 with the shaft 32 disposed through horizontal bore 72. Extending outwardly a small distance from the inner surface of rotatable dielectric material section 68 are electrically bridging segments 76 and 78 which are inserted and embedded into the section 68 while extending outwardly a small distance therefrom.

A sleeve 80 having a circumferential groove 82 formed in one end thereof is disposed on strap 32 and has one end abutting the tube 28. The circumferential depression 82 is engaged in recess 36 of shaft 32, soas to lock the sleeve 80 to theshaft 32. Acontrol knob 84 having a blind bore 86 formed in the rearward surface thereof is disposed about sleeve 80. A threaded bore 88 is formed in control knob 84, and a set-screw 90 threadedly engaged therein so that the control knob 84 may be locked to sleeve 80. Thus, upon rotation of knob 84, the bridging segments 76 and 78 will gap the dielectric portion 50 of body 38, andconnect the terminals 44 and 46 together electrically, so as to complete a circuit. The designating tab 92 may be inserted between the knob 84 and cover plate 10, so that it may be determined when the switch is on and when it is off, or the On may be formed right in the cover plate eliminating tab 92.

Looking now at Figures 7 and 8 in particular, it may be seen that a three terminal type of switch is illustreated. In this type of switch, the three terminals 94, 96 and 98 are embedded into body 38. Electrical conductors 100, 102 and 104 are each connected to one of the terminals. The segment 106 is formed of a partial ring which may be more or less than 180 having outwardly projecting extensions 108 and 110 at the ends thereof, which contact the terminals. The projections 108 and 110 will contact the terminals 94 and 98 whereby electrical connection may be established between 96 and 98, and in a third position contact between 94 and 96 may be made. If it is desired that all three terminals be connected together, one of the projections may bridge the terminals 94 and 9 6 and the other rest upon terminal 98 so that the three of them will be electrically connected together.

Referring now more specifically to Figures 9 and 10 it may be seen that a four terminal type of switch has been defined, wherein two circular terminals 112 and 114 are inserted into body 38. Other terminals 116 and 118 are concentric with the first mentioned terminals but are closer to the peripheral surface of body 38, and so aligned that two concentric imaginary circles are formed thereby.

.The terminals 112, 114, 116 and 118 have electric conductors 120, 122, 124 and 126 respectively connected 4 thereto. In the rotatable section 68, the first segment 128 is located therein and in alignment with the smaller imaginary circle while a larger segment 130 is also embedded therein and in alignment with the larger imaginary circle. Thus, it may be seen that segment 128 may be used to electrically bridge the terminals 112 and 114, while segment 130 may be used to bridge terminals 116 and 118. Of course, any desired arrangement of the coacting terminals and segments may be made and still be within the spirit of this invention.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 12, it may be seen that two of the switches have been connected together, with the second switch having the mounting plate 118, the body 138, with the two electric conductors 154 and 156 or more if needed depending on whatever is desired in the wiring hookup, having an insulating material 158 disposed thereabout. The rotational section 168 serves both switches, and the device is mounted on the shaft 32 which runs horizontally therethrough. A lever 170 is connected to the rotating section 168, which controls rotation of the section back and forth where desired, cover plate 10 may be used over lever 170. The segments and terminals located within the device may be set up so that contact is made between conductors 54 and 56, or 154 and 156, at the same time, or successively, as desired.

In Figures 13 and 14 may be seen a device which adapts the switches to be used in commercial machinery. The switch is disposed within a casing 132, which has elec trical conduits 1 35 on either end thereof. The mounting strap 18 is mounted, formed or spot welded to the inner surface of one wall or cover of the casing 132. Shaft 32 extends outwardly through the casing 132 and has a plate 134 with a collar 136 thereon, disposed about the shaft 32 and locked thereto by means of cotter pin 1'38. Arms 140 extend outwardly from the sleeve 136, and may or maynot haveadapting segments 142 pivotally connected on the ends thereof as by pins 144. Illustrated in dotted lines in Figure 13, and designated by the numeral 146, is a projection which may extend downwardly from a control chain or conveyor, which is to control the switch. If the projections i146 constantly move in the same direction, then the segmental adapters will not be needed.

' However, if the projections 146 move in one direction and then reverse moving in the opposite direction before proceeding in the original direction, as is the case with many control chains, the adapter 142 will be needed and will be used in the following manner. The adapter 142 has lateral portions 148 thereon, which engage the sides of arms 140. Looking at Figure 13, it may be seen that, for instance on the right hand side, the projection 146, will engage the upper surface of segmental adapter 142, as the projection moves to the left in Figure 13. This will cause one of the extensions 148 to engage the arm 140, and upon further movement to the left of projection 146, the plate 134 will move counterclockwise. However, if the projection 146 is to move in a reverse direction, that is to the right in Figure 13, then the segmental adapter 142 will move into the dotted line position illustrated therein, so that .the plate 134 will not move upon withdrawal of the projection 146. This has the effect of moving the switch into the desired position, and upon withdrawal of the projection 146 from engagement with the segment 142, the switch will not move. It will be realized, of. course, that any specific type of arrangement or relationship of the parts above mentioned maybe used within the contemplation of the present invention.

It may now be seen that there has been shown and described a new and improved type of rotational switch which is simple and made of inexpensive construction, as well as being extremely versatile in use.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and minals, a shaft which is rotatably accommodated by said body, said section being fixed to said shaft, a plate fixed on one end of said shaft having arms rigidly extending radially outwardly therefrom whereby upon movement of one of said arms said shaft will rotate said section and the segment will electrically bridge the terminals and complete a circuit, pivotally mounted adapters terminally secured to each of said arms, projections fixed to each adapter for engaging the side of an arm to rotate said shaft.

2. An electric rotatable switch comprising a body, a section spaced from said body, a shaft, aligned bores extending through said body and section receiving said shaft, a strap, a notched out portion in said body receiving said strap to prevent relative rotative movement with respect thereto, an aperture in said strap aligned with said bores rotatably receiving said shaft, said section fixed to said shaft, said body slidable on said shaft, a plurality of terminals in said body insulated from each other, means on said section for electrically bridging said terminals, a chamber in said body between said body and said strap, a resilient member received in said chamber for urging said body toward said section.

3. An electric rotatable switch comprising a body, a section spaced from said body, a shaft, aligned bores extending through said body and section receiving said shaft, a strap, a notched out portion in said body receiving said strap to prevent relative rotative movement with respect thereto, an aperture in said strap aligned with said bores rotatably receiving said shaft, said section fixed to said shaft, said body slidable on said shaft, a plurality of terminals in said body insulated from each other, means on said section for electrically bridging said terminals, a chamber in said body between said body and said strap, a resilient member received in said chamber for urging said body toward said section, a tube fixed on said shaft immediately adjacent thereto, a handle secured to said tube for rotating said tube and said section to allow said means carried by said section to bridge said terminals.

4. An electric rotatable switch comprising a body, a section spaced from said body, a shaft, aligned bores extending through said bore and section receiving said shaft, a strap, a notched out portion in said body receiving said strap to prevent relative rotative movement with respect thereto, an aperture in said strap aligned with said bores rotatably receiving said shaft, said section fixed to said shaft, said body slidable on said shaft, a plurality of terminals in said body insulated from each other, means on said section for electrically bridging said terminals, a chamber in said body between said body and said strap, a resilient member received in said chamber for urging said body toward said section, a tube fixed on said shaft immediately adjacent thereto, a handle secured to said tube for rotating said tube and said section to allow said means carried by said section to bridge said terminals, said body and said section being cylindrical, said body and said section presenting opposed flat surfaces, said terminals forming a portion of the flat surface of said body, said means on said section carried on said flat surface of said section.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,784,281 Lubbock et al. 5, 19 57 

